Two Injured in DUI Collision

By John Bisnar

A car accident in Chico caused injuries to two people the night of July 8, 2010. The accident occurred in the westbound lanes of Highway 32, when Jacob Michael Peterson, 23, made a U-turn in front of a 2002 Chevy pickup truck. One person was booked on suspicion of DUI.

I hope and pray that no one was seriously injured in this crash. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.DUI Statistics

In Glenn County as a whole, nine fatalities occurred and 114 were injured as a result of car accidents in 2008, according to CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Also, in Glenn County, no one was killed, but two were injured as a result of DUI collisions.

Car Accident Laws

California Vehicle Code Section 21801 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety.”

It is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”

Liability Issues

Injured car passengers can also seek compensation for injuries and damages in case of negligence or wrongdoing on the part of their driver. A knowledgeable California personal injury lawyer will also be able to advise injured victims in such cases about how their auto insurance policy applies to an incident involving an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

In your opinion, should first-time DUI offenders be required to install Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) in their vehicles?

The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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